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Categories

Single Cup:

This overall category is defined as tea that is packaged to be brewed through a Keurig® K-Cup® machine. Entries will be brewed in a K-Cup® compatible machine. If for some reason your entry doesn't fit into the machine used, contents will be emptied into a clean reusable filter basket. Entries may be submitted for other style single serve cups; however, please note the product will be emptied into a clean reusable filter basket and brewed on the K-Cup® compatible machine. Submissions must be a full unopened box from stock product. (IMPORTANT NOTE: World Tea Media®, nor GlobalTea Championship® have any affiliation with Keurig® Inc. or K-Cup®. This championship is not affiliated with Keurig® Inc.)

Bagged:

This overall category is defined as dry whole or broken tea leaves that are sold in any type of filter bag material. Examples include but are not limited to: paper tea bags, tea bags of other filter material, pyramid bags of any material, circle/disc bags, etc. These bags may or may not have a string and/or tag. This category is for hot tea marketed beverages ONLY. (For iced tea, please see
iced tea championship.) Product must be packaged at a minimum of a 10 count and a maximum of 100 count. Product will be steeped per the time and temperature guidelines found in the hot tea section above using 1 bag per tasting bowl. Submissions must be full unopened box from stock product.

Instant Powder:

This overall category is defined as soluble powder packaged as instant mix, spray dried, or freeze dried where the soluble powder will dissolve with the addition of hot water by stirring. This category is for hot tea marketed beverages ONLY. (For iced tea soluble powders, please see iced tea championship.) Product will be mixed with water temperature of 205°F+ (96°C+). Submissions must be a full unopened case(s) from stock product. All submissions must meet the respective category definitions. Each category is evaluated in-line with its delivery method: single cup, bagged and instant.

TEA

TYPE

COUNTRY

CATEGORY

BLACK (SINGLE ORIGIN)

BLACK

ANY

BAG/SC/INSTANT

Leaf: Fully oxidized leaf of any grade from one single origin that contains no other botanical.

Infusion: Infusion is golden brown to reddish brown to coppery in color. Medium to full body with
mild astringency and an array of aromas and tastes.

BLACK BLENDED

BLACK

ANY

BAG/SC/INSTANT

Leaf: : Fully oxidized leaf of any grade that is blended with at least one other botanical not of Camellia sinensis in origin. May not contain any flavoring agents.

Infusion: Well balanced, thought-out blend where each ingredient has a reason for being part of the blend. Though the black tea taste may not be in the forefront; notes of the black tea should be present and detectable.

BLACK FLAVORED

BLACK

ANY

BAG/SC/INSTANT

Leaf: Fully oxidized leaf of any grade that is flavored using a flavoring agent. May contain other
botanicals.

Infusion: Well balanced, thought-out flavored black tea where the flavoring is not distracting and enhances the tea experience. Flavoring agent should not give off notes that are medicinal, chemical, perfumey or have notes of alcohol. When other botanicals are used, each should have a reason for being part of the flavored blend. Though the black tea taste may not be in the forefront; notes of the black tea should be present and detectable.

BREAKFAST

GREEN

ANY

BAG/SC/INSTANT

Leaf: Fully oxidized leaf of any grade that is marketed as a breakfast tea. May be of single origin or blend of origins. May not contain any flavoring agents or other botanicals.

Infusion: Infusion is bright and clear with rich, reddish-brown hues. Medium to full bodied and brisk.
Astringent and robust enough to withstand milk and sugar, but balanced enough to drink straight.

GREEN BLENDED

GREEN

ANY

BAG/SC/INSTANT

Leaf: Green tea leaf (steamed or pan fired) of any grade that is blended with at least one other
botanical not of Camellia sinensis in origin. May not contain any flavoring agents.

Infusion: Well balanced, thought-out blend where each ingredient has a reason for being part of the blend. Though the green tea taste may not be in the forefront; notes of the green tea should be present and detectable.

GREEN FLAVORED

GREEN

ANY

BAG/SC/INSTANT

Leaf: Green tea leaf (steamed or pan fired) of any grade that is flavored using a flavoring agent. May contain other botanicals.

Infusion: Well balanced, thought-out flavored green tea where the flavoring is not distracting and enhances the tea experience. Flavoring agent should not give off notes that are medicinal, chemical, perfumey or have notes of alcohol. When other botanicals are used, each should have a reason for being part of the flavored blend. Though the green tea taste may not be in the forefront; notes of the green tea should be present and detectable.

GREEN PAN FIRED

GREEN

ANY

BAG/SC/INSTANT

Leaf: Green tea leaf of any grade from one single origin in which steaming is not used to denature
the enzymes and contains no other botanical.

Leaf: Green tea leaf of any grade from one single origin in which steaming is used to denature the
enzymes and contains no other botanical.

Infusion: Wet leaf is rich green in color with a fresh aroma. Infusion may be green to bright yellow. The infusion may have particulate and hazy (not clear). Flavor is fresh, medium to full bodied with grassy, briny notes; rich in brothy umami.

Infusion: A wide range of infusion colors, aromas and taste. Because of this, this category will be judged on the merits of the individual botanical submitted. Each botanical will be judged on leaf manufacture, infusion, aroma and color expected from botanical submitted.

HERBAL BLENDED

HERBAL

ANY

BAG/SC/INSTANT

Leaf: Herbal tea or tisane using at least two botanicals other than Camellia sinensis whether
caffeine free or not. May not contain any flavoring agents.

Infusion: Well balanced, thought-out blend where each ingredient has a reason for being part of the blend.

HERBAL FLAVORED

HERBAL

ANY

BAG/SC/INSTANT

Leaf: Herbal tea or tisane using one or more botanicals other than Camellia sinensis whether
caffeine free or not and flavored using a flavoring agent.

Infusion: Well balanced, thought-out flavored herbal/tisane tea where the flavoring is not distracting and enhances the tea experience. Flavoring agent should not give off notes that are medicinal, chemical, perfumey or have notes of alcohol. When other botanicals are used, each should have a reason for being part of the flavored blend.

OOLONG GREEN

OOLONG

ANY

BAG/SC/INSTANT

Leaf: A lightly oxidized oolong which may be semi-balled or open leaf of any grade. Sometimes
referred to as jade oolong. (e.g. Tung Ting, Ali Shan, Ti Kuan Yin, Pouchong, etc.)

Leaf: A heavily oxidized oolong which typically has an open or twisted leaf, but has not been aged or
roasted of any grade. Dry leaf typically has pit fruit or spicy notes. (e.g. Phoenix Dan Congs, Shui Xian, Da Hong Pao, Rou Gui, etc.)

Infusion: Infusion may be deep golden yellow, amber or brown. Some particulate from final firing is acceptable, but should not be in excessive as to indicate a baked or aged tea. Very aromatic with notes of pit fruits, roasted grains, orchids, honey, chocolate and/or nuts. Smooth mouthfeel with deep and very lingering flavor and aroma.

OOLONG BLENDED

OOLONG

ANY

BAG/SC/INSTANT

Leaf: Semi-oxidized leaf of any grade or leaf style that is blended with at least one other botanical
not of Camellia sinensis in origin. May not contain any flavoring agents.

Infusion: Well balanced, thought-out blend where each ingredient has a reason for being part of the blend. Though the oolong tea taste may not be in the forefront; notes of the oolong tea should be present and detectable.

OOLONG FLAVORED

OOLONG

ANY

BAG/SC/INSTANT

Leaf: Semi-oxidized leaf of any grade or leaf style that is flavored using a flavoring agent. May
contain other botanicals.

Infusion: Well balanced, thought-out flavored oolong tea where the flavoring is not distracting and enhances the tea experience. Flavoring agent should not give off notes that are medicinal, chemical, perfumey or have notes of alcohol. When other botanicals are used, each should have a reason for being part of the flavored blend. Though the oolong tea taste may not be in the forefront; notes of the oolong tea should be present and detectable.

PU-ERH/DARK BLENDED

PU-ERH/DARK

ANY

BAG/SC/INSTANT

Leaf: Tea of any age or type that has undergone a secondary post manufacturing microbial
fermentation step or aging process, whether aging is intentionally accelerated or not. Must be blended with at least one other botanical not of Camellia sinensis in origin.

Infusion: Well balanced, thought-out blend where each ingredient has a reason for being part of the blend. Though the pu-erh/dark tea taste may not be in the forefront; notes of the pu-erh/dark tea should be present and detectable.

PU-ERH/DARK FLAVORED

PU-ERH/DARK

ANY

BAG/SC/INSTANT

Leaf: Tea of any age or type that has undergone a secondary post manufacturing microbial fermentation step or aging process, whether aging is intentionally accelerated or not. Must be flavored using a flavoring agent. May contain other botanicals.

Infusion: Well balanced, thought-out flavored pu-erh/dark tea where the flavoring is not distracting and enhances the tea experience. Flavoring agent should not give off notes that are medicinal, chemical, perfumey or have notes of alcohol. When other botanicals are used, each should have a reason for being part of the flavored blend. Though the pu-erh/dark tea taste may not be in the forefront; notes of the pu-erh/dark tea should be present and detectable.

PU-ERH/DARK TEA

PU-ERH/DARK

ANY

BAG/SC/INSTANT

Leaf: Tea of any age or type that has undergone a secondary post manufacturing microbial
fermentation step or aging process, whether aging is intentionally accelerated or not.

Infusion: Infusion is amber to rich dark brown in color. Medium to full bodied cup with notes that are earthy, woody, reminiscent of damp autumn leaves, molasses, and/or hints of spice. Little to no astringency.

ROOIBOS BLENDED

ROOIBOS

ANY

BAG/SC/INSTANT

Leaf: Rooibos (Green or Red) or Honeybush leaf of any grade that is blended with at least one other
botanical not of Camellia sinensis, Aspalathus linearis, or Cyclopia in origin. May not contain any flavoring agents.

Infusion: Well balanced, thought-out blend where each ingredient has a reason for being part of the blend. Though the rooibos/honeybush taste may not be in the forefront; notes of the rooibos/honeybush should be present and detectable.

ROOIBOS FLAVORED

ROOIBOS

ANY

BAG/SC/INSTANT

Leaf: Rooibos (Green or Red) or Honeybush leaf of any grade that is flavored using a flavoring
agent. May contain other botanicals.

Infusion: Well balanced, thought-out flavored rooibos/honeybush tea where the flavoring is not distracting and enhances the tea experience. Flavoring agent should not give off notes that are medicinal, chemical, perfumey or have notes of alcohol. When other botanicals are used, each should have a reason for being part of the flavored blend. Though the rooibos/honeybush taste may not be in the forefront; notes of the rooibos/honeybush should be present and detectable.

WHITE BLENDED

WHITE

ANY

BAG/SC/INSTANT

Leaf: Naturally oxidized leaf of any grade that is blended with at least one other botanical not of
Camellia sinensis in origin. May not contain any flavoring agents.

Infusion: Well balanced, thought-out blend where each ingredient has a reason for being part of the blend. Though the white tea taste may not be in the forefront; notes of the white tea should be present and detectable.

WHITE FLAVORED

WHITE

ANY

BAG/SC/INSTANT

Leaf: Naturally oxidized leaf of any grade that is flavored using a flavoring agent. May contain other botanicals.

Infusion: Well balanced, thought-out flavored white tea where the flavoring is not distracting and enhances the tea experience. Flavoring agent should not give off notes that are medicinal, chemical, perfumey or have notes of alcohol. When other botanicals are used, each should have a reason for being part of the flavored blend. Though the white tea taste may not be in the forefront; notes of the white tea should be present and detectable.

WHITE TEA

WHITE

ANY

BAG/SC/INSTANT

Leaf: Naturally oxidized leaf of any grade from one single origin that contains no other botanical.
Processing method must follow classical styles. Leaves are not processed by firing or rolling, but by withered controls and gentle oven, cool drying and/or sun drying techniques, alone or in combination.

Infusion: Infusion is clear pale yellow in color. Particulates from the hairs of the unfurled leaf bud are acceptable. Velvety smooth sweet cup that is mild in flavor.

MATCHA BLENDED

GREEN

ANY

INSTANT ONLY

Leaf: Soluble matcha powder of any grade that is blended with at least one other soluble powder not
of Camellia sinensis in origin; most commonly a flavored, sweetened, or latte soluble matcha.

Infusion: Well balanced, thought-out blend where each ingredient has a reason for being part of the blend. Though the green tea taste may not be in the forefront; notes of the green tea should be present and detectable. Hazy infusions with particulate may be present.

MATCHA FLAVORED

GREEN

ANY

INSTANT ONLY

Leaf: Soluble matcha powder of any grade. Color is a green with some yellow or brown shades.

Infusion: Infusion has little to no frothiness, green with distinctive grassy vegetal flavor with no notes of raw astringency.